Brexit: Nearly 9 in 10 businesses want extension of Article 50

Ahead of tonight’s Brexit vote in Parliament on whether to extend Article 50, a CBI survey found nearly 9 in 10 firms want it to pass if the alternative was to leave the EU with no deal.

A survey of 273 firms was across the services, manufacturing, and distribution sectors, finding:

88% want an extension

8% don’t want an extension

The remainder of respondents answered, ‘don’t know’.

Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: “An overwhelming majority of businesses want an extension to Article 50 which should be as short as possible, but as long as is necessary.

“Business wants this resolved now, so any extra time must be used by MPs to finally craft a solution that protects livelihoods and communities across the UK. This demands a new approach from politicians across the House.

“No-one wants this to drag on but faced with the choice of a harsh no deal, businesses will back an extension every day of the week.”

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